Interesting Facts About North Carolina

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These interesting facts about North Carolina for kids include dinosaurs, the tallest lighthouse, the first test flight, and famous emeralds.

This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Arkansas facts for kids below! Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

North Carolina is in the southeastern region of the United States and includes the Appalachian Mountains, the Piedmont Plateau, and the Atlantic Coastal plains. The capital is Raleigh and the state is known as The Tarheel State. It became the 12th state in 1789 and currently has more than 10 million residents. 

North Carolina State Facts 

Fact One: North Carolina was once home to dinosaurs 

Dinosaur bones have been found in North Carolina over the last 100 years. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:

• Learn How To Make Dinosaur Fossils For Kids with this fun craft. 
• Paint with your little ones with Dinosaur Art Activities.
• Read Dinosaur Activity Book for Kids. 
• Toddlers will love this Dinosaur Chocolate Mud Sensory Bin.
• Make this Paper Plate Dinosaur Craft with your kids. 

Fact Two: North Carolina is home to the tallest lighthouse in the United States 

The tallest lighthouse in the United States is Cape Hatteras built in 1872 and is 196 feet high.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:

• This Paper Plate Cardboard Roll Lighthouse Craft is perfect for an afternoon of fun.
• Make these Summer Foam Lighthouses with your kids. 
• Read The Lighthouse with your kids. 
• Make this red and white Pringles Tube Lighthouse with a real light at the top. 
• Help your kids be creative with this Tape Resist and Silouhette Lighthouse. 

Fact Three: The Wright Brothers tested their first flight in North Carolina

On the morning of December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright did their first test flight in Devil Hills, North Carolina. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:

• Make this cool Pool Noodle Airplane For Kids.
• Learn How To Make The Best Paper Airplane with this craft. 
• Read The Ultimate Book of Airplanes and Airports. 
• Make a Styrofoam Airplane Craft with your kids. 
• These STEM Clothespin Airplanes are fun and creative. 

Fact Four: North Carolina has given the world many famous emeralds

There are two mines open to the public in North Carolina: Crabtree Emerald Mine near Emerald Village and Hiddenite Gems Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:

• Make these sparkly Treasure Jewel Magnets with your kids. 
• Make Salt Rock Gems in this STEM activity. 
• Read Everything Rocks and Minerals. 
• These cute Thumbprint Heart Glass Magnets are perfect for Valentine’s Day. 
• Make these DIY Glass Cracked Gems for Jewelry with your little ones. 

      

 

Fact Five: Moonwalkers were trained in North Carolina 

 Most astronauts were trained in North Carolina in the 1960s at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The planetarium served as the hub for celestial navigation training. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:

• Learn How To Make Astronauts For Kids in this fun craft. 
• Play Solar System Bingo for a fun afternoon activity with your kids. 
• Read There’s No Place Like Space.
• This Flying Rocket Ship Spacecraft is a fun STEM project. 
• Make A Rocket Using Toilet Paper Roll in this craft for kids. 

More North Carolina Resources:

• Famous North Carolina Recipes
• North Carolina State Books for Kids
• North Carolina Crafts For Kids 
• North Carolina State Fact File Worksheets

Interesting Facts about Other States:

• Florida Interesting Information
• 5 Fun Facts about Maryland
• Learn about Kansas
• Interesting facts about Ohio

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